Ring processing apparatus



May 28, 1963 E. L. MACKEY RING PROCESSING APPARATUS 15 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 29, 1960 3 INVENTOR.

23 EUGENE L. MACKEY ATTORNEYS y 8, 1963 E. L. MACKEY 3,091,202 RING PROCESSING APPARATUS Filed March 29, 1960 15 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. IA

INVENTOR. EUGEN E L. MACKEY BY 0%, W Ema/g1,

ATTORNEYS y 8, 1963 E. L. MACKEY 3,091,202

RING PROCESSING APPARATUS Filed March 29, 1960 15 Sheets-Sheet 3 4 36 FIG. 3 34 W35 LT "j 24 44 250 48 TOLOADINGH FIG. 4

INVENTOR. E UGENE L. MACKEY ATTORNEYS y 8, 1963 E. L. MACKEY 3,091,202

RING PROCESSING APPARATUS Filed March 29, 1960 15 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

EUGENE L. MACKEY ATTORN EYS May 28, 1963 E. MACKEY RING PROCESSING APPARATUS 15 SheetsSheet 6 Filed March 29, 1960 FIG. H

INVENTOR.

EUGEN E L. MACKEY ATTORNEYS y 8, 1963 E. L. MACKEY 3,091,202

RING PROCESSING APPARATUS Filed March 29, 1960 15 Sheets-Sheet 7 74 I47 R I40 X J L.

INVENTOR.

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RING PROCESSING APPARATUS Filed March 29, 1960 15 Sheets-Sheet 8 FIG. IS

IN V EN TOR. EUGENE L. MACKEY ATTORNEYS May 28, 1963 -E. MACKEY RING PROCESSING APPARATUS 15 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed March 29, 1960 INVENTOR. EUGENE L. MACKEY ATTORNEYS May 28, 1963 E. L. MACKEY 3,091,202

RING PROCESSING APPARATUS Filed March 29, 1960 15 Sheets-Sheet 10 FIG. l9

IN V EN TOR.

EUGENE L. MACKEY ATTORNEYS y 8, 1963 E. L. MACKEY 3,091,202

RING PROCESSING APPARATUS Filed March 29, 1960 15 Sheets-Sheet l1 TO 3 l 6 TO WELD omam'mou I TO WELD START WELD-U NLOAD FIG. 20

INVENTOR. EUGENE L. MACKEY ATTORNEYS May 8, 1963 E. L. MACKEY 3,091,202

RING PROCESSING APPARATUS Filed March 29, 1960 15 Sheets-Sheet 12 WELD 11o. 37l

FIG. 2|

IN VEN TOR.

EUGENE L. MACKEY ATTORNEYS May 28, 1963 E. MACKEY 3,091,202

RING PROCESSING APPARATUS Filed March 29, 1960 1s Sheets-Sheet 13 DRIVE TRANSFER 5o LIFT FIG. 23

TRAVEL INVEN TOR.

EUGENE L. MACKEY ATTORNEYS E. L. MACKEY RING PROCESSING APPARATUS May 28, 1963 15 Sheets-Sheet 14 Filed March 29, 1960 www JLJ

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RING PROCESSING APPARATUS Filed March 29, 1960 15 Sheets-Sheet 15 POSITION MILL KICK OFF ROCKER FIG. 26

TAKE U LIFT INV EN TOR.

EU GEN E L. MACKEY ATTOR N E YS CLAM P United States Patent Ohio Filed Mar. 29, 1960, Ser. No. 18,430 1 Claim. (Cl. 113-127) This invention relates generally, as indicated, to a ring processing apparatus and more particularly to an apparatus for forming and finishing drop-center automobile wheel rims.

In modern automobiles, the innovation of the smaller wheel and the tubeless tire has necessitated a means accurately and quickly to form such drop-center wheel rims that will not only produce a rim capable of withstanding the high speed stresses and shocks of modern automotive travel but will also provide a perfectly uniform airtight inner wall and seal for such tubeless tires.

The apparatus of this invention constitutes generally means to close the ends of coiled stock usually in dropcenter form and then to finish such rim by removing the bead and subsequently spinning and pressing in a final sizing operation to produce a uniform finished article. This process and apparatus is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with the machine for coiling and cutting off rings shown in the co-pending application of Ambro Todoran et al., entitled Ring Coiling and (hit-01f Machine, Serial No. 745,869.

With the foregoing in mind, it is a primary object of this invention to provide a machine which will take coiled stock having closely spaced ends and which will accurately and economically close such stock into a homogeneous metal ring.

It is yet another important object of my invention to provide an apparatus which will economically and accurately produce small diameter drop-center Wheel rims of a. uniform curvature, diameter and quality.

It is yet a further object of my invention to provide a machine that will produce rings of uniform radius and curvature with a minimum loss due to waste material.

It is still another object of my invention to provide a machine for producing drop-center wheel rims and the like at a rapid rate with fewer pieces of apparatus occupying less floor space and using fewer man hours than are required by using present methods and apparatus known to me.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claim, the following description and the annexed drawings setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed.

In said annexed drawings:

FIGS. 1 and 1A constitute a single schematic plan of mechanisms embodying the principles of my invention, illustrating the layout thereof;

FIGS. 2 and 2A comprise a single schematic elevational view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with the cleaning station omitted;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevation of my ring orientation station taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation and section of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3 as viewed on line 4-4 thereof;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary horizontal section taken substantially on the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

3,0hLZOZ Patented May 28, 1953 FIG. 6 is a front elevation of my loading apparatus to assist the transfer of the ring from the orientation station to my index table taken on line 6-6 of FIG. 2 but shown in its receiving position;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational View of such loading apparatus taken substantially on line 7-7 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of an index table that may be employed with the illustrated embodiment of my invention taken on line 8-8 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of such table With portions thereof removed for clarity of illustration;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view of the operating mechanism for such index table taken on line 10-10 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary sectional View of the locking pin mechanism employed With my index table taken on line 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary front elevation of the clamping mechanisms employed firmly to clamp such ring to my illustrated index table;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary sectional view of the clamping mechanism of FIG. 12 taken on line 13-13;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary sectional elevation of the mechanism employed to unload the Wheel rim from my index table taken On line 14-14 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a top plan View of the mechanism shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary sectional view taken sub stantially on the line 16-16 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a front elevation of the milling apparatus that may be employed with my invention taken on line 17-17 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary sectional View of my milling apparatus as taken on line 18-1-8 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit that may be employed to control the orientation and load mechanisms of my apparatus;

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit that may be employed to control my index mechanism;

FIG. 21 is a partial schematic diagram of an electrical circuit that may be employed to control my gap closing, table unloading and milling or finishing apparatus; and

FIGS. 22 through 26 are schematic diagrams of pneumatic and hydraulic controls that may be employed in conjunction with my electric circuits for actuating the various components of my mechanism.

Referring now to said annexed drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1, 1A, 2 and 2A, there is shown the layout of the entire apparatus for economically and uniformly producing drop-center wheel rims from flat steel strip.

As seen first in FIG. 2A, the steel strip is supplied by a suitable coil reel 1 feeding strip to be formed to dropcenter or channel shape and then coiled and cut off in the forming machine 2. This machine constitutes generally the subject matter of the aforementioned Todoran et a1. application, Ser. No. 745,869 and, of course, is not per se a part of my invention. The stock is coiled in such forming machine to produce a planar circular cutoff ring in which the ends are closely spaced apart forming a slight gap in such ring. The problem then comprises closing such gap and then accurately finishing and sizing such rim so that it readily may be assembled with a spider to form the completed automobile wheel.

Briefly, the coiled stock is removed from the forming machine onto a power driven elevator conveyor 3 and deflected therefrom onto two oppositely extending inclined ramps 4 and 5 by an escapement pivoting type gate 6. In this manner, one ring at a time is deflected alternately onto each ramp 4 and 5.

The rings roll down the ramp 5 to an orientation station generally shown at 7. Here the rings are rotated to locate the gap therein in a predetermined position. Then, maintaining the gap in such predetermined position, the rings are transferred to a loading station generally shown at 8 to be presented to an index table shown at 9.

Here each ring is clamped firmly to the table with such gap in its proper oriented position and the ring is indexed clockwise successively through a cleaning station generally shown at 10, a gap closing and welding station generally shown at 11 and an unloading station generally shown at 12. The unloading station 12 comprises a means to transfer the work from the index table 9 to a bead milling apparatus shown at 13. Here, the area of the rim which constitutes the closed gap is accurately milled and the work is then transferred to a ramp 14 to be moved into position at aplanishing and sizing station shown at 15 wherein the work is finished to the proper size and curvature. From here, the rims are ejected as at 16 subsequently to be assembled with the wheel spider to form a complete automobile wheel.

The ramp 4 leads to apparatus which is identical in form to the apparatus shown by the reference numerals 7 through 16 inclusive. Such duplicative apparatus is desirable for the fast production of wheel rims since the capacity of the forming machine 2 is approximately twice the capacity of the ring processing apparatus generally illustrated by such reference numerals 7 through 16 inclusive. In this manner, an identical number of wheel rims will be ejected at point 17 as are ejected at 16 and the combined total will be the identical number of rings produced by the forming machine 2.

The escapement type gate 6 may be suitably actuated by a pneumatic cylinder controlled by a solenoid operated valve which is in turn controlled by a relay operated by limit switches on the conveyor 3. In this manner, one rim at a time will be removed from the conveyor 3 alternately onto the ramps 4 and 5.

The Orientation Station (FIGS. 3-5) Referring now more particularly to FIG. 3, it will be seen that the coiled ring R rolls down the ramp 5 from the conveyor 3 to contact a control gate 20. At the proper moment, gate 20 will be removed from its path to permit the ring R to enter the orientation mechanism by dropping into a cradle 21 which includes two spaced ring supports 22 and 23. The ring supports are carried for vertical reciprocation on spaced supports 24 and 25. Two vertically extending guide bars 26 and 27 extend from the ring supports upwardly through such supports 24 and and such cradle is actuated for vertical movement by an air cylinder 28, the rod of which is connected to the cradle 21 as shown at 29 and the cylinder of which is connected to support plate 30 secured between the supports 24 and 25. The plate 30 has a configuration more clearly shown in FIG. 5 and includes a lip 31 to enclose the edge of the ring R and act as a stop as the ring rolls into the cradle 21. The plate 30 also includes a beveled portion 32 terminating in a rearward extension to assist the proper nesting of the ring R thereagainst. The rearward extension, of course, will prevent a ring R inadvertently released by gate 20 from fouling the movement of the cradle hereinafter described.v

After the ring is seated within the cradle 21, the piston 29 is actuated to raise the cradle to position the ring against two idler rolls 33 and 34. When the ring is in this raised position, the ring will contact orientation blade 35 resiliently compressing the fluid within cylinder 36 which acts as an air spring resiliently to hold the orientation blade 35 in its lowermost position. The movement of the orientation blade then actuates a cylinder 40' to swing a drive wheel 41 about pivot 42 to contact the ring R in its upperpost position. A motor 43 is energized by the movement of such roll 41 thereby to drive such roll in its position of engagement against the ring R thus to rotate the same under a nominal torque until the blade 35 is pushed into the gap or slot between the juxtaposed ends of the ring by the compressed fluid within cylinder 36.

The ring R is now oriented in its proper predetermined position for presentation subsequently to the cleaning, gap closing and finishing operations.

When the cylinder 36 forces the blade 35 into the gap, and the cylinder 40 retracts the drive roll 41, a suitable limit switch, subsequently to be described, actuates cylinder 44 to move the cradle 21 holding the wheel in its oriented position to the next or loading station 8. The supports 24 and 25 are joined by a plate 45 as more clearly seen in FIG. 5 to which the rod 46 of the cylinder 44 is connected. Suitable guides 47 and 48 are employed to guide the ring holding apparatus to its extended position shown in phantom lines at 49 in FIG. 4. In this manner, the ring is nested in its proper oriented position supported on the raised cradle 21 against the plate 30 to be transferred to the loading apparatus shown in more detail in FIGS. 6 and 7.

Referring now to FIG. 6, it will be seen that the ring R, supported on members 22 and 23, is positioned above the loading mechanism '8. Simultaneously with the actu-ation of cylinder 44, -load travel cylinder 5! actuates to position the loading mechanism 8 from the position shown by phantom lines at 51 to the extended loading position. When cylinder 44 is in its proper extended position, cylinder 52 is actuated to raise yoke 53 to lift the ring R off supports 22 and 23 of the cradle 21. The yoke 53 is mounted in slides 54 and 55 and has thereon two bearing rollers 56 and 57 to contact the ring -R. The yoke '53 when extended actuates a suitable limit switch hereinafter described to retract cylinder 44 to position the orientation station in its proper original position to receive the next ring. The cylinder 40 having retracted after the blade 35 entered the slot, the cylinder 28 need only extend to lower the cradle 21 to the proper position to receive the next ring when the gate 20 is subsequently removed. The desired modus operandi will subsequently be more clearly delineated.

The loading station 8 is mounted on a slideway formed by two guides 58 and 59 and is moved therealong by clinder 50-. The loading station merely comprises a means to raise the ring in its proper oriented condition against upper stationary clamping shoes so that it may be clamped on the index table 9 by actuation of lower clamping shoes.

Index Table and Clamp (FIGS. 813) Referring now to FIG. 8, my index table 9 includes a non-rotatable base 60 including an upstanding column 61 in which is concentrically mounted a support column 62, supporting thereon a platform 63 for a purpose hereinafter described. Therotatable portion 64 of my table is journalled to the upstanding column 61 by means of suitable vertically spaced anti-friction bearings 65 and 66. These may preferably be tapered roller bearings firmly to absorb the thrusts on such table hereinafter described. The rotatable portion of my table is of a general square configuration as shown more clearly in FIG. 9 and has reinforced corner portions 67 joined by gussets 68 and reinforcing ribs 69. The table thus presents four open portions 70, 71, 72 and 73 at each side of which are secured plates 74 and 75 of the general configuration more clearly shown in FIG. 12. These plates may be secured to the table portion 64 in the relative positions shown in FIG. 12, each plate 74 and 75 having a cutout portion 76 and 77 respectively, through which are positioned my toggle operated clamping mechanisms generally shown at 78 in FIG. 13. The clamping mechanismscomprise in reality a pair of clamping mechanisms 79 and 80 essentially identical in form actuating respectively clamps 81 and 82. These clamps position and firmly hold the ring on the index table at the four rmpective stations. The clamps include two substantially fixed upper clamps 83 and 84 firmly secured for slight relative movement to extensions 85 and 86 on the plates 74 and 75 respectively. The configuration of these clamps is more clearly shown in FIG. 13 and they each provide a pivot 87 for an angle member 88 supporting the lower clamp shoes 89. The angle member 88 comprises two spaced angle pivots or bell cranks 90 and 91 supporting plates 92 to which are secured lower clamping shoes 89. Secured, as by pins 93, through the plates 99 and 91, is a toggle link 94 pivotally connected to angle toggle links 95 pivoted interiorly of the plates 74- and 75 as at 95. Pivotally connecting the links 94 and 95 are suitable pivot pins 97 against which abuts my actuating mechanisms hereinafter described. It will now be seen that the ring R will be firmly clamped between the upper and lower shoes of each clamping mechanism with the gap in such ring centrally positioned between each such clamping mechanism as shown at 98. Each of the toggle mechanisms '79 and 80 are essentially identical in form and operate firmly to hold the ring at positions slightly spaced from yet juxtaposed to such oriented gap.

The toggle mechanisms are actuated by two stationary cylinders 16!) and 1911 identical in form which are mounted on platform 63 of the interior column 62. The piston of each cylinder includes a vertically extending actuating head 1%2 and 1% respectively, to contact member 94 at pivot 97 of the lower toggle arm 95 on linkage 78 and 79 to shove it from the phantom line unlocking position shown in FIG. 13 to the full line, in-line locking position shown. Suitable guides 1:74 and 105 are provided for each shoe to keep the piston of the cylinders 19% and 191 from rotating and thus moving the heads 192 and 103 out of the vertically aligned illustrated position. It can now be seen that each pair of toggle linkages 79 and 80 will be actuated to the locking position at one station only of my four station indexing mechanism.

Mounted on the platform 1% above the pair of cyl; inders 109 and 191 is a pivotally mounted gauging blade 1157. This blade is mounted to swing about pivot 1G8 and is actuated by cylinder 189. This blade will be employed properly to position and maintain the juxtaposed ends of my coiled ring in the proper relative positions. Once the clamping mechanisms have been actuated, the blade, by actuation of the cylinder 109, will be removed for the subsequent cleaning and gap closing operations.

Now referring to FIGS. 8, l and 11, it will be seen that my table is rotated by a main actuating cylinder 11% having a rack 111 mounted on the rod end thereof to engage a ring gear 112 secured around the bottom end of the rotatable part of my table positioned adjacent the bearing 65. 1 also provide a locking cylinder 113 actuating a locking pin 114 insertable in openings 115 positioned about the table firmly to hold such table in its four respective stations accurately to present the work to the proper mechanisms. 1 also provide a latching cylinder 116, the rod 117 of which actuates spring loaded drive pawl 118 to clutch the ring gear to the table to rotate it therewith, the pawl 113 being mounted on such ring gear segment. Thus when the pawl is released, the gear 112 will rotate with respect to the table.

When the table is rotated in its clockwise direction as seen in FTG. by retraction of cylinder 11%, both cylinders 116 and 113 are retracted. The table then contacts a limit switch hereinafter described causing the cylinder 116 to extend unlatching the spring loaded drive pawl 118. This now permits the cylinder 119 to extend to move the unclutched gear and hence the drive pawl in its released position reversely through the 90 arc to snap into and be latched in the next preceding recess 119. When it is so latched as shown in FIG. 10 and after the completion of the work operation, the table 6 will again be moved through an arc of by the retraction of cylinder 110. Cylinder 113 will extend at the same time as cylinder 116 firmly to lock the table in its proper position and, of course, will retract to unlock the table prior to the indexing thereof.

The Gap Cleaning Station (FIG. I)

As shown schematically in FIG. 1, the first work station may be a gap cleaning station thoroughly to condition the gap for the subsequent closing operation. This station may take the form of a power driven abrasive wheel, milling blade or wire brush 12% to enter and clean the gap for the subsequent welding or closing operation. This brush is driven for rotation by motor 121 through transmission 122 and pivoted belt or chain drive 123 moved by cylinder 124. In this manner, the rotating cleaning tool may be lowered into the gap to condition it for the subsequent welding operation.

The Gap Closing Station (FIGS. 1 and 2) The welding or gap closing station generally comprises an extensible platen 125 which extends to present a forging cylinder 126 and a backup 127 behind the opposite clamp structures 83 and 84. Pivotally mounted between the guides 128 and 129 for such welding platen 125 is a transformer 130 supplying R-F current to removably mounted welding shoes 131. These shoes snugly fit on each side of the gap in the ring in the space 98 between the clamps 83 and 84 thoroughly to heat the area of the gap to a welding temperature when current is applied. The welding platen is actuated by a cylinder 132 to move the forging cylinder into and out of forging position when the table has been properly indexed. My welding apparatus is described and claimed in more detail in my co-pending application entitled Ring Welding Apparatus, Serial No. 18,360, filed simultaneously herewith.

The Table Unloading Mechanism (FIGS. 14, 15 and 16) My unloading mechanism is mounted on a stand 135 positioned opposite the fourth or last Work station of my index table 9. An upstanding column 136 is rigidly mounted on such stand and mounted on such column is a rotatable sleeve or tube 137. Platform 138 is constructed on such rotatable tube or sleeve and has mounted thereon cylinder 139 and four brackets 140 and enclosing guides 141 and 142. The rod 143 of the cylinder 139 is fastened to my unloading clamp arm 144. Laterally positioned on the unloading clamping arm 144 are two pneumatic cylinders 145 and 146 each actuating pivoted clamps 147 allochirally identical in form to grip the edge or bead of the ring with adjustable shoes 148 and 149 respectively.

When the ring R is positioned in such unloading station by the index table, the cylinder 139 is actuated to extend unload clamping arm 144 to a position wherein the clamping shoes 148 and 149 will grip a bead of such ring. As shown, when the unload clamping arm has firmly grasped the ring R, cylinder 150 mounted beneath the index table is actuated sliding upwardly member 151 to contact the middle pivot 97 of the toggle mechanisms 79 and 80 respectively to release the now closed ring from the respective clamping shoes.

Subsequently, cylinder 152 is retracted to lower the platform 138, the rod 153 of such cylinder being firmly secured to plate 154 which is in turn secured to slidable sleeve 13-7. Surrounding the sleeve 137 is a Wide ring gear 155 engaging rack 16% actuated by cylinder 161. (Note FIG. 16.) As shown by the phantom line ring positions in FIG. 14, the cylinder 152 is actuated to lower the platform 138 to withdraw the ring from the togg e clamps, the cylinder 139 is retracted, and cylinder 161 is actuated to rotate the platform through an arc of The cylinder 139 is then extended to position the ring properly at the next or Work finishing station.

The Ring Milling Apparatus The ring milling apparatus 13 includes a work support 165, the base of which houses a lift cylinder 166 having rod 167 attached to slide 168 secured between upstanding guides 169 and 170. Positioned on the top of the slide 168 are arcuate spaced rails 171 and 172. A rockable work support 173 is mounted on such rails by means of upper and lower wheels 174 and 175 respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two wheels above and one below each of the rails 171 and 172. The rockable work support includes the pendently mounted cylinder -1'76 actuating pivot clamp 177.

It will now be seen that the work support 173 provides a work-engaging shoe 178 having pivoted shoe 179' of clamp 177 engaging the upper portion of the ring firmly to hold it on such work-engaging shoe 17 8.

The milling cutters comprise power driven rotary tools 180 and 181 of a conventional nature both of which are mounted on respective shafts or spindles 182 and 183. Both such shafts are driven through respective belt drives 184 and 185 from a suitable motor 186 through a transmission. The lower milling cutter 181 is mounted for vertical reciprocation on guides 187. The lower milling cutter is actuated for such vertical movement by cylinder 188, the rod 189 of which is attached to the lower milling cutter shaft housing as shown at 190. Both milling cutters are mounted on platform 191 for horizontal reciprocation, the platform 191 being connected to the rod 192 of cylinder 193. In this manner, the cutter 181 may be moved downwardly with respect to cutter 189 and both cutters may be traversed horizontally.

When the unloading station has positioned the ring R in its extended position shown in phantom lines in FIG. 14, the cylinder 166 can now be actuated to raise the lower clamping shoe 178 against the bottom of the ring. Cylinder 176 is then actuated to bring the shoe 179 of clamp :177 down firmly to clamp the ring on the rockable support 173. The clamping cylinders 145 and 146 are then released and the unloading station returns to grasp the next ring. At this time, the cylinder 188 has been retracted and the lower cutter 181 is in its lowermost position so that the unloading mechanism will position the ring R about such lower cutter. Cylinders 188 and 166 are actuated to close the position of the milling cutters and hold the ring R firmly in the proper position therebetween.

The cylinder 194 is then actuated, the rod 195 of which is connected to arm 196 fastened to the rockable mount 173 thereby to rock the mount and the ring clamped thereon through an arc sufficient for the cutters 180 and 181 effectively to remove the weld bead formed by the gap closing station. In this manner, the cylinder 176 will pivot within the slide 168 maintaining the clamping shoe 179 firmly against the inner portion of the ring R. I have found that a single actuation of the cylinder 194 is suflicient effectively to remove the weld bead. A suitable limit switch may deenergize the cylinder 194 at the end of its stroke to return the mount 173 to its original position. The cutters then move apart by actuation of the cylinder 188. The cylinder 166 lowers the wheel away from the upper cutter 180, and both cutters are retracted by cylinder 193. When this is done, a suitable kickout arm 197 actuated by air cylinder 198 removes the ring from the support 173 after the clamping shoe 179 has been pivoted out of the way.

Chip chutes 199 and 200 may be employed mounted for movement with the lower cutter effectively to clear the chips from the machine. Guide rollers 201 and 202 may also be provided to assist in the positioning of the ring against the top cutter 180.

The Planishz'ng and Sizing Operation The kickout device 197 kicks the ring onto ramp 14 to roll down to be positioned between. interior sizing roll 8 283 and exterior sizing roll 284. The interior roll is formed from two laterally movable mating rolls whereby the wheel may be dropped therebetween and the rolls positioned completely to fill the interior portion thereof. Exterior roll 204 is then forced against such rim and is rapidly rotated to complete the planishing and sizing of the ring. A final removal device will kick out the ring at point 16 for storage, shipment or the subsequent spider welding operation. The milling and finishing structures hereindescribed are illustrated and claimed per se in my co-pending application entitled Ring Finishing Apparatus, Serial No. 18,359 filed even date herewith.

The Operation and Actuation Sequence of the Component Parts (FIGS. 19-26) Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 19 and 22, the operation of my mechanism will be seen to be as follows.

Orientation and Loading Stations The rings formed by the machine 2 are transferred up the conveyor 3 to be removed therefrom by the escapement gate 6 to be discharged alternately on ramps 4 and 5. The ring discharged on ramp 5 rolls down and comes to rest against solenoid operated ramp gate 20. When in contact with the gate, the ring is ready to be discharged onto the cradle by actuation of limit switch 210 which is closed when the cradle is in its lowermost receiving position. The operation sequence of my ring processing mechanism is now ready to commence. The operator may actuate switch 211 to energize orientation motor 43, such motor closing switch 212 to complete a holding circuit around the switch 220 and switch 213 permitting the energization of my orientation and loading station through mains 214 and 215. The operator may then manually initiate the cycle by pressing switch 216 to energize cycle relay 217. The closing of switch 216 also energizes holding circuit 218 and prepares a circuit to rim raise relay 219 through switch 220. The energization of cycle relay 217 also closes switch 221 energizing rim gate relay 222. This relay energizes hold ing circuit 223 and closes switch 224 to actuate rim gate solenoid 225. This lowers the gate permitting the ring to roll down into the orientation station. Suitable manual safety stop switches 226 and 227 are employed in series with push button start switches 211 and 216. *In this manner, the operator may stop the cycle or the motor 43 at any time desired.

As the ring rolls into position on the supports 22 and 23, it trips limit switch 228 closing the prepared circuit to rim raise relay 219. The actuation of relay 219 opens switch 229 deenergizing relay 222 .to open switch 224 to deenergize ramp gate solenoid 225 to raise the ramp to preclude the next ring from rolling into the orientation station. The energization of relay 219 also energizes holding circuit 230 and closes switch 231 which energizes solenoid 232 supplying air from a convenient source 233 (FIG. 22) to actuate cylinder 28 to raise the rim positioned on supports 22 and 23 of the cradle 21 until the ring R presses the blade 35 upwardly compressing the air within cylinder 36. At this time, limit switch 234 is closed energizing driving roll raise relay 235. The energization of relay 235 closes holding circuit 236 and closes switch 237 energizing solenoid 238. Solenoid 238 supplies air to cylinder 40 raising the drive roll 41 against the bottom of the now raised ring R. The mootr 43 having previously been actuated, the ring is now rotated at a relatively slow speed until the gap therein is caught by the blade 35 correctly to position such "gap at the proper predetermined position.

As soon as the cylinder 36 has forced the blade 35 into the slot, the contacts 239 of the limit switch 234 are closed to deenergize relay 248 to open switch 241, deenergizing relay 235 to deenergize solenoid 238 to lower the drive roll 41 away from the ring R. As the drive roll lowers, it trips limit switch 242 to energize relay 243. This relay actuates holding circuit 244 and closes switch 245 to energize solenoid 246. This solenoid admits air from source 232 to the blind end of cylinder 44. The transfer cylinder 4-4 now extends to position the rim onto the loading station when the loading station is ready to receive. The loading station signals the orientation station by tripping limit switch 247 to prepare the circuit for relay 243 to be energized by limit switch 242. Relay 243 also closes switch 248 on the loading station preparing a circuit for relay 249 subsequently described. The tripping of limit switch 247 on the loading station deenergizes relay 243 and consequently solenoid 245 to cause the cylinder 4-4 to retract. Retraction of cylinder 44 trips limit switch 25!} energizing relay 251 to open switch 252 to deenergize relay 219 and consequently solenoid 232 of cylinder 28. This cylinder then extends to lower the cradle to receive the next ring. When the cradle is lowered and in position to receive the next ring, it trips limit switch 210 to prepare the circuit for the ramp gate solenoid 225 to actuate the ramp gate to discharge another ring. The actuation of relay 251 is delayed by time delay device 253 actuating switch 254 in series with relay 251. When the relay is energized, switch 254 is closed energizing control relay 255 which in turn opens switch 256 to deenergize relay 251 and reset the switches for the next cycle. Relays 249, 255 and 251 are control relays to set up control functions in a conventional manner and the time delay 253 delays the lift rim rise repeat cycle.

With the index table 19 positioned to receive a ring from the orientation station, switch 265 is closed preparing a circuit for relay 249. This circuit will be actuated by relay 243 of the load station when either the limit switch 261 or 262 is actuated. Switch 262 is actuated by the forge platen 125 and switch 251 is mounted on cylinder 52 of the loading station. The orientation station transfers a ring onto the load station tripping limit switch 261 energizing relay 244- in turn to energize solenoid 263 to actuate cylinder 59 moving the loading station to the extended position shown in FIG. 7. The load station is positioned at this point at the same time that cylinder 44 of the orientation station extends. The actuation of cylinder 50 trips limit switch 264 energizing relay 265 closing holding circuit 256 and through switch 267 energizing solenoid 268. Solenoid 268 actuates cylinder 52 to raise the loading station to the proper position. This in turn trips limit switch 247 to deenergize relay 243 opening switch 248. This, however, does not deenergize relay 249 to actuate cylinder 54 since the holding circuit 269 will maintain the relay energized until switch 2-62 is opened which is in turn controlled by the weld station forge platen 125. When such platen extends, switch 26 will be opened to cause the load station 8 to extend and raise simultaneously to position a ring on the index table. Switch 270 in series with relay 265 will he opened to deenergize solenoid 268 to lower cylinder 52 to its original position and withdraw the loading mechanism when such platen is retracted. In this manner, while the forging and welding operation is in progress, the loading station is positioning a ring on such index table.

Referring now to FIGS. 22 and 23, the cylinders 36, 28, 4d and 4% are actuated by a source of pneumatic pressure 233 through a check valve 271. The cylinder 236 is maintained under a constant pressure by maximum pressure relief valve 272. When the blade 35 is pressed upwardly to compress the air within cylinder 35, check valve 273 prohibits the transfer of pressure to supply line 274. Solenoid 232 operates a two-position direc tional valve 275 to control the actuation of cylinder 228. Solenoids 238 and 246 also operate respective two-position directional valves 276 and 277, each of these valves having restriction valves 278 and 279 to control the rate of exhaust from the cylinders.

The travel and lift cylinders of the loading station as shown in FIG. 23 are operated from a source of hydraulic pressure 281 which may be supplied by a dual pump system supplying fluid at a high volume and low pressure or low volume and high pressure. Hydraulic fluid at a pressure of around 400 psi. will be suitable for the actuation of cylinders 59 and 52 and cylinder 52 is actuated by solenoid 268 through a two-position directional valve 281. A pressure reducing valve 282 may be employed between the supply line 283 and valve 281. In the connection to the rod end of the cylinder 52, a choke 284 may be employed with a check valve 285 in a bypass therearound. Cylinder 543 is actuated by a two-position directional valve 286 operated by solenoid 263.

The Index Table Referring now especially to FIGS. 20 and 24, when the weld platen 125 retracts, it energizes relay 300 by closing switch 301, switch 362 having previously been closed by energization of cycle relay 217 at the orientation station. This in turn closes switch 303 to energize lock solenoid 39 4 to withdraw pin 114 from the aperture 115 tripping limit switch 305. This in turn energizes relay 3% closing switch 357 to energize solenoid 398 to retract the piston of cylinder 110 to index the table 10 through an arc of The traverse of the table through this are trips limit switch 309 to energize relay 310 closing switch 311 energizing solenoid 312. This in turn admits air from a suitable source to extend cylinder 116 unlatching pawl 118. The energization of relay 312 also opens switches 313 and 314 to deenergize relays 303 and 3% respectively to deenergize solenoids 304 and 308 positioning the locking pin 114 within aperture i115 and returning the index cylinder to its original position. Since the pawl 113 is unlatched, the ring gear 112 will move back to its original position without moving the table 10. The positioning of locking pin 114 within aperture 115 again actuates limit switch 305 such that the unlatched drive pawl cannot reversely be rotated through the 90 arc until the locking pin 114- is in place. The extension of cylinder 110 occurs simultaneously with the starting of the gap closing or welding operation and the loading or unloading operations. When the ring is positioned adjacent the index table 16 by the loading station, the commencement of the gap closing operation closes switch 315 energizing relay 316 to close switch 317 energizing solenoid 3 18. This solenoid in turn actuates clamping cylinders 164 and 151 to extend shoes 102 and 103 to lock the toggle clam ing mechanism 79 and 8t correctly and firmly to position the ring with the gap properly oriented on the index table. After the ring is firmly clamped to the table, the weld platen will retract opening switch 351 to retract lock cylinder 113 to repeat the cycle just described.

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 8 and 24, it will be seen that the gauging blade 197, actuated by cylinder 199 may be operated by suitable valving mechanism 319 actuated either manually or electrically. As the lifting arms of the orientation station extend hori zontally to position the rim under the clamping fixture on the indexing table, the gauging blade is lowered between the clamping mechanisms to an in-line position with the gap locating blade 35 as shown by the lower phantom line position in FIG. 8. In this lower position, the blade as well as the rim will be picked up or raised by load lift cylinder 52 to the position shown in FIG. 8, Thus the blade follows the gap from the orientation station to the table where it sets the gap for the subsequent welding operation. Upon completion of the clamping action on the index table, the gauging blade will be retracted to an out position until the index table 10 has been indexed 90. At this point, the gauging blade will again be actuated to an in position. The purpose of the gauging blade is to keep the gap oriented as the rim is slipped oil the orientation cradle 

